Author Archives: amelialipcsei

By Alex Gryciuk  March 1, 1871—President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act, making Yellowstone the first national park in the United States. Preserving a beautiful landscape of geysers, hot springs, meadows, and streams, the environmental movement transformed how nature could be enjoyed by the average citizen. Now, anyone could admire geologicalContinue reading “The Ideal American Vacation!”

By Cynthia Andary Sunsets are a beautiful and calming sight. Watching as the sun dips below the horizon and the sky takes on a range of stunning colors, from vibrant oranges and reds to soft pinks and purples. Sunset is a peaceful and reflective experience, and many people find it to be a source ofContinue reading “Sereneful Sunsets”

By Julia Kemp Dear Santa Cruz Mountains,  The fog that glistens on your green redwood peaks brightens my mornings and warms my heart. I see you on all sides of me, and appreciate your loving embrace around the valley I call home. Though I often admire you from a distance, hiking through your chilly forestsContinue reading “A Letter to the Santa Cruz Mountains”

By Sydney Reese  Many of you know Evan Griffith and Rachel Griffith, as they are exemplary role models at Westmont. The infamous twins don’t just celebrate Earth Day, they also celebrate their birthday! Make sure to wish Evan and Rachel a happy birthday on Earth Day, April 22nd! Here’s a short interview of what theContinue reading “Earth Day Birthday”

By Cat Kemp The United States recycling system has been in place for several decades, but unfortunately, it still requires a significant amount of improvement. Despite the fact that recycling has become more common in households across the country, the system’s limitations have become increasingly clear. One of the primary issues with the US recyclingContinue reading “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle “

Welcome to The Shield‘s annual satire section.  Writers use satire to improve a problem in society. Sometimes readers misunderstand the satire as they do not recognize the hyperbole, irony, rhetorical questions, sarcasm, and understatements. Readers may mistake the satirical solution for the actual solution that the writer proposes. The ideas in these satire stories do not necessarilyContinue reading “Discomfort”

By Amelia Lipcsei Known for their air purifying abilities, spider plants have been used to remove toxins, such as formaldehyde (which is often found in common household adhesives and fillers), carbon monoxide, xylene, and benzene. These toxins have often been linked to cancer and other deadly diseases.  In the late 1900’s, NASA conducted a studyContinue reading “A Breath of Fresh Air”

By Sinchana Holla Amanda Schwarz, is an athlete, hard worker, close friend, and most importantly, an avid plant hoarder. Here is an insight into her plant beliefs.  I like nature, they make good decor, taking care of them gives me something tranquil to do, and I think they give good vibes.  About fifteen I think. Continue reading “Amanda and Her Plants”

By Lily Bourne Looking for a way to grow essentially infinite plants, all for the price of one? Well, propagating might be just the technique for you! Many plants have the unique ability to grow from one root, stem, or leaf into a whole new plant. By taking this propagule and placing it in optimalContinue reading “Propagating Plants”

By Lily Bourne and Madeline Crowley When wandering around Downtown Campbell, a particular type of store seems to pop up continuously among the various restaurants and other establishments. With four unique plant stores in the general area around Downtown, it is hard to choose which one to visit! We rated each store considering the prices,Continue reading “Rating Local Plant Shops”